BCC's Disability Resource Center to Host Free Webinar

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Community College (BCC) Disability Resource Center will hold a free webinar, "There Is No Justice without Disability," with guest speaker Rebecca Cokley on at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. 

Cokley, a nationally renowned disability rights activist, will discuss disability justice, the connections between oppressions, how ableism compounds all forms of inequality, and key steps any organization can take to become more inclusive and accessible. Advanced registration is required; to register and receive a Zoom link, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/justice-disability.

Cokley is the program officer for the Ford Foundation’s first-ever U.S. Disability Rights program, which is focused on strengthening the field, building a pipeline of diverse leadership, promoting disability pride, and mobilizing resources toward disability rights work. She also serves as the foundation's liaison to the President’s Council for Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy.

Prior to joining Ford, Cokley was the co-founder and director of the Disability Justice initiative at the Center for American Progress and stewarded a campaign that resulted in 12 presidential candidates developing disability policy platforms. She served as the executive director for the National Council on Disability, where she worked on sexual violence on college campuses, policing reform, and the civil rights of disabled parents.

A three-time presidential appointee, Cokley served in key policy roles at the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts for the Obama administration. She is a frequent speaker and contributor on issues of public policy and disability inclusion in the media and at major national conferences. Cokley has a bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. 

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.